About

$23,827

pledged of $20,000 goal

473

backers

STRETCH GOAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Jeff, Mark, Steve and I want to thank you for your support and generosity with helping us to fully fund the Kickstarter to finish The Altar Boys project: No Substitute. With this goal met we'd like to offer a unique stretch goal. Here's what we propose:

Before the close of the Kickstarter on April 20, if we raise $25,000, everyone who has pledged on the campaign will receive a FREE download of No Substitute: The RAW original tracks as recorded in 1991 and 1993. These tracks will contain both electric and acoustic guitars, plus all the lead and background vocals where they were added. (It will also contain a number of lead solos that were replaced by Steve on the "produced" tracks.) These are the tracks that we all listened to back in September of 2017 that spurred us on to want to finish this project.

Additionally, if we make the $30,000 by the Kickstarter closing date we will offer a FREE CD of the RAWNo Substitute tracks (in addition to the download) to anyone who has pledged a minimum of $25 (before shipping). The track order of the RAW album be according to date recorded - which is very different from the official No Substitute release. The track order for RAW is as follows (from 1991): "Rebel Rock," "History Comes Back," "Light of Freedom," "Outside in the Distance," "Surround Me," "Let Me See Your Hands," "No Substitute." (From 1993): "Devotion," "The Kids Cry," 1,000 Mile," "Give our hearts," "Revolution of Love."

Whatever happens, we can't thank you enough for getting us to our goal, and past it. We are putting finishing touches on the recording and art as we speak, and God willing, plan to turn masters over to Lo-Fidelity Records for Vinyl and CD manufacturing within the month of May. The campaign ends on Friday night at midnight (central), so share the campaign link and let's see how far we can take this together!

Expect the unexpected?” “With God, all things are possible?” Well, ya, of course!

But come on! A new release from The Altar Boys in 2018? What? How? That’s crazy! And The Altar Boys are inclined to say: “Exactly, we're totally surprised ourselves!”

Here's the backstory: In 1991 and early 1993, Mike Stand made a series of smart and passionate recordings for a future, brand-new Altar Boys project titled, “No Substitute.” Try as they may, however, the band was never able to release this record. Sadly, it was all but abandoned and thrown on the “scrap heap.”

Fast forward to the fall of 2017.

Upon the urging of both fans and friends, these recordings were revisited. What was surprisingly discovered was a perfect “time capsule” that remarkably preserved both the urgency, music, and message of The Altar Boys - as it was, intact, from way back when.

This discovery did not happen in a vacuum. Instead, the focal point of this journey finds God temporarily taking something near and dear away from Mike, yet all the while giving him something back with strict marching orders: “To finish what you started!”

Now, some 25 years later, what was deemed impossible has miraculously happened...

With YOUR help, The Altar Boys will release their long-awaited 6th album: “No Substitute.” The band genuinely believed it was over, but “You can’t stop the Rebel Rock message of faith and hope, sent to this world of Rebel Rock Souls.” And so it is, because, as it was then - and now! - there’s “No Substitute.”

You have questions - we have answers!Is Kickstarter a store? ~ No! For those unfamiliar with Kickstarter ~ this is an "all or nothing" fundraising platform. You pledge the level that you want, and if we make our financial goal ($20,000) we use those pledged funds to finish our record ~ and then you get whatever it is you've pledged for! If we don't make the fundraising goal, your cards aren't charged and the album goes back into limbo.

Who is playing on this record? ~The Altar Boys circa 1991/1993 are on this recording, and the record features original guitars and vocals recorded during those years. The band was/is Mike Stand, Jeff Crandall, Steve Pannier and Mark Robertson.

The Altar Boys (1991/1993)

What formats are being offered in the Kickstarter? ~We are offering Downloads, CDs, and limited edition 180g Vinyl in this campaign.

How many songs are on the album? ~There are 12 songs we are hoping to release on download and CD. 10 songs will be on the vinyl (with all 12 on the accompanying download.)

What kind/size of T-Shirts are being used in the campaign? ~ Our manufacturer will use BLACK pre-shrunk, 100% cotton, heavyweight Fruit Of The Loom shirts in mens sizes Small through 5XL. We will also produce the design on "Ladies Cut" t-shirts in sizes X-Small through 2XL.

No Substitute T-Shirt Concept

If we meet the goal, how long will it be before you get my album? ~ August 2018 is the projected shipping date. This could change based on manufacturing times, unforeseen delays, etc. This is a projected date - not carved in stone.

Where can I get more info on this project? ~The band did a Facebook Live Q&A session and explained the whole project. Check it out!

We thank you for any and all support in making our dream of "No Substitute" a reality!

Risks and challenges

As always, the risk is not hitting the goal. If we hit the goal, you get "No Substitute!"

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

No Substitute Autographed CD!

You'll receive one copy "No Substitute" on CD, autographed by The Altar Boys! Album will come delivered in a multi-panel digipak. You'll also receive the album on download via Kickstarter messaging, the moment it's released!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $45 or more
About $45

Signed CD + T-Shirt!

You'll receive one copy "No Substitute" on CD, autographed by The Altar Boys! Album will come delivered in a multi-panel digipak. You'll also receive the album on download via Kickstarter messaging, the moment it's released!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Skype With Mike Stand!

You'll get one 30 minute SKYPE or FaceTime session with Mike Stand! Talk about guitars and gear, maybe get a guitar lesson, or just talk about music and have Mike tell you stories from his career in music. It's up to you!

You'll also receive one copy "No Substitute" on CD signed by The Altar Boys! The CD will come delivered in a multi-panel digipak.